Patents Assigned to Micronics, Inc.
  • Split focusing cytometer
    Patent number: 6674525
    Abstract: A microcytometer which combines lysing and cytometry into a unified system that achieves blood lysis and white blood cell count in a single device. The device focuses the white cells into a thin ribbon which is then focused into a single stream for analysis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Micronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald Bardell, Bernhard H. Weigl, C. Frederick Battrell
  • Valve for use in microfluidic structures
    Publication number: 20030197139
    Abstract: A valve for use in microfluidic structures. The valve uses a spherical member, such as a ball bearing, to depress an elastomeric member to selectively open and close a microfluidic channel. The valve may be operated manually or by use of an internal force generated to shift the spherical member to its activated position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2003
    Publication date: October 23, 2003
    Applicant: Micronics, Inc.
    Inventor: Clinton L. Williams
  • Valve for use in microfluidic structures
    Patent number: 6581899
    Abstract: A valve for use in microfluidic structures. The valve uses a spherical member, such as a ball bearing, to depress an elastomeric member to selectively open and close a microfluidic channel. The valve may be operated manually or by use of an internal force generated to shift the spherical member to its activated position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Assignee: Micronics, Inc.
    Inventor: Clinton L. Williams
  • Capillaries for fluid movement within microfluidic channels
    Patent number: 6557427
    Abstract: A capillary for introduction of whole blood into an analysis device. The capillary has a variable volume along its length, which allows the liquid sample to be drawn into the interior of the cartridge, away from the inlet, reducing the risk of contamination of the sample from the outside.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignee: Micronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Bernhard H. Weigl, Gerald L. Klein, Ronald L. Bardell, C. Frederick Battrell
  • Microfluidic analysis cartridge
    Patent number: 6488896
    Abstract: A device for analyzing sample solutions such as whole blood based on coagulation and agglutination which requires no external power source or moving parts to perform the analysis. Single disposable cartridges for performing blood typing assays can be constructed using this technology.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2002
    Assignee: Micronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Bernhard H. Weigl, Gerald L. Klein, Ronald L. Bardell, Clinton L. Williams, Thomas H. Schulte
  • Protein crystallization in microfluidic structures
    Patent number: 6409832
    Abstract: A device for promoting protein crystal growth (PCG) using microfluidic channels. A protein sample and a solvent solution are combined within a microfluidic channel having laminar flow characteristics which forms diffusion zones, providing for a well defined crystallization. Protein crystals can then be harvested from the device. The device is particularly suited for microgravity conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2002
    Assignee: Micronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Bernhard H. Weigl, Jurgen Sygusch
  • Device and method for performing spectral measurements in flow cells with spatial resolution
    Patent number: 6091502
    Abstract: A device and method for performing spectral measurements in flow cells with spatial resolution using a variable transmission optical filter having at least two areas with different optical properties. Light from a light source passes through the variable transmission filter to a flow cell containing a sample to be analyzed. The resultant light pattern is sensed by a detecting means, which analyzes the spectral properties of the sample within the flow cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2000
    Assignee: Micronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Bernhard H. Weigl, Eric Altendorf
  • Supervisory camera system
    Patent number: 5874990
    Abstract: A supervisory system in which a plurality of supervisory points (1) to (N) are monitored one after another by a monitor camera. The supervisory points are switched at random based on random numbers. A period of monitoring each supervisory point is set at random based on the random numbers. When random monitoring is carried out, it is controlled in order not to select the same supervisory point in succession.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 23, 1999
    Assignee: Star Micronics, Inc.
    Inventor: Toshifumi Kato